Motivational Orientations of Older Adults in University Courses as Described by Factor and Cluster Analyses

Abstract

Few studies have been done on the motivation of older adults in higher education, and fewer yet of the structure of their reasons for participation. This study sought to fill this void by using data on 78 adult learners aged 62 to 85. Both factor and cluster analyses were done on an expanded inventory of reasons including subsets as markers for factors established on younger adults and additional items to fit this life stage. The factor pattern and a five-cluster solution differed appreciably from patterns found on younger adults. The findings challenge a recent assertion that the structural foundations of such motivational orientations have now been well set.